Have a Happy and Healthy Holidays

Neighbor,

As we all gather in the coming weeks to celebrate the holidays and ring in the new year, I hope you and yours are happy and healthy. For many, 2021 has been a struggle, and the continuation and ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic still looms large in our lives. A reminder that vaccines, boosters, and testing are the best tools at our disposal to ensure that we can all start 2022 in a safe and healthy way.

Tragically, our state has reached the grim milestone of over 10,000 COVID-19 deaths, and leaders from Minnesota’s health care systems recently purchased a full-page newspaper ad pleading with Minnesotans to do their part to help end this crisis. Our community has done such an amazing job in meeting this moment and looking out for one another, but now is not the time to let up. 

Minnesota’s Economic Forecast

Earlier this month, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released a new economic forecast. It projects a $7.7 billion positive balance, with an estimated $3.1 billion of one-time money and $4.3 billion of ongoing funds. This means we have resources to invest in education, housing, health care, and lend a helping hand to those that have yet to feel the benefits of a recovering Minnesota. While the budget forecast suggests our economy is recovering, we know many people and communities are still facing significant challenges. The projected surplus gives us the chance to help Minnesotans overcome these difficulties and ensure everyone can thrive.  

You can read more about the state’s economic forecast here. 

Stay Connected

We’re a little over a month away from the 2022 Legislative Session, and as we gear up for our return to St. Paul, I want to hear from you. There’s a lot to take on this year, with the $7.7 billion surplus and the need to continue the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Our work is at its best when it’s responsive to your needs, so please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, comments, or concerns you have for our community and state.

You can contact me through email (rep.michael.nelson@house.mn) or phone (651-296-3751). If you haven’t already, you can also take this brief legislative survey to help guide our work at the State Capitol. Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holidays.

Sincerely, 

Rep. Michael V. Nelson